‘Everybody with Disability Should be Included’: A Qualitative Interview Study of Athletes’ Experiences of Disability Sports Participation Analysed with Ideas of Able-Mindedness

Svanelöv, Eric; Wallén, Eva Flygare; Enarsson, Per; Stier, Jonas

doi:10.16993/sjdr.676

Cited by 13 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…In the Special Olympics Movement, individuals with ID compete with others and research reports several motivational factors for participation, including better self-esteem and the opportunity to make social connections with coaches, teammates and opponents (Crawford et al, 2015). Based on a review, by Thomson et al (2020), significant research is required to better understand how engaging in sustainable and intentional PA or organised sport can support greater community participation, as well as the importance of inclusion for people with ID (Svanelöv et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) and their perceptions of, and motivation for, physical activity and organised sports

Hansen

Nordén

Ohlsson

2021

Sport, Education and Society

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Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are less physically active than individuals without ID, and rarely reach the recommended daily level of physical activity (PA). It is understood that both social interaction and the ability to perform physical work affect participation in daily activity as well as PA. Individuals with ID generally have a higher risk of hypertension and obesity-related cardiovascular diseases than individuals without ID. Professional service providers, teachers and parents are often those being asked about potential challenges related to PA, as it is more seldom that this knowledge comes from the target group (ID) themselves. This identifies a lack of knowledge about PA and sports for individuals with ID. The aim of this study was to identify perceptions of, and motivation for, PA and sports among adolescents with ID. Twelve Swedish male and female adolescents with ID participated in the study, which comprised one semi-structured interview. The interviews identified three main categories: Activity, Surroundings and Body-and health awareness. Adolescents with ID seemed intrinsic motivated to participate in PA, organised sports and activities in general. Support from significant others, teachers, family and friends and support as well as the feeling of joy are connected to normative beliefs which all seem crucial. The participants were aware of their limitations, but sometimes feel bullied and afraid of being excluded, which relates to their normative beliefs. Participation in PA and organised sports may be positively associated with health, but limitations such as lack of awareness and support from society challenge the perception of 'fitting in'. This research has raised the voice of adolescents with ID and identified the need for increased knowledge of their perceptions for a more inclusive world. School PE is an arena where adolescents can still be reached regarding PA and thereby should be prioritised.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) and their perceptions of, and motivation for, physical activity and organised sports

Hansen

Nordén

Ohlsson

2021

Sport, Education and Society

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“…The research on sport socialization focuses on understanding how individuals become involved in the world of sports and how their beliefs and values become intertwined with it. Sport socialisation involves the adoption of attitudes, values, knowledge, and behaviors associated with sports participation ( Svanelöv et al, 2020 ). Differentiating between being introduced to sports and learning values through sports provides a deeper understanding of why people engage in sports.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous studies have also noted that engaging in physical activity and sports contributed to psychological advantages for individuals with disabilities, enhancing their self-esteem, autonomy, goal attainment, and personal growth ( García and López., 2012 ; Muñoz et al, 2017 ; Diaz et al, 2019 ; Aitchison et al, 2022 ). Involvement in Para sports enabled these women to focus on their identity, abilities, and accomplishments ( Svanelöv et al, 2020 ; Weiller-Abels et al, 2021 ; Wickenden, 2023 ). Additionally, participants expressed their ability to inspire and motivate more women with physical impairments to participate in Para sports.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Sports are a social activity that provides a platform for societal activity engagement, allowing for a sense of individual and collective self, meanings, and participation through social interaction ( Svanelöv et al, 2020 ). Para sport refers to the athletic activities that are engaged in by individuals who have a qualifying physical, visual, or intellectual impairment, as governed by the International Paralympic Committee and its member organizations ( Vanlandewijck and Thompson, 2011 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Empowerment and social inclusion through Para sports: a qualitative study on women with physical impairments in Saudi Arabia

Alhumaid,

Adnan,

Said

et al. 2024

Front. Psychol.

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BackgroundParticipation in sports represents a potent means of empowerment and social inclusion. Nevertheless, women with physical impairments encounter specific challenges in accessing Para sports. The main aim of this study is to present the experiential participation and achievements in sports of women with physical impairments in Saudi Arabia.MethodsTwenty women athletes with physical impairments who engaged in competitive Para sports in Saudi Arabia were interviewed. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was employed to extract themes elucidating the experiences of women athletes with physical impairments in Para sports.ResultsFour dimensions were identified: (i) Exploring participation in sports; (ii) The positive impact of participation in sports; (iii) obstacles in participation in sport; and (iv) hopes and aspirations to improve participation in Para sports.ConclusionIn Saudi Arabia, participation in Para sports functions as a powerful tool for empowering and socially integrating women with physical impairments. However, these women encounter challenges in accessing sports. Achieving empowerment in Para sports necessitates the establishment of an inclusive ecosystem that celebrates diversity and equality. Collaborative efforts from governments, sports organizations, communities, and individuals are indispensable in creating an environment where women with impairments can flourish in sports.

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“…Inclusive practices refer to the provision of enhanced opportunities to people with disabilities to participate in the exercise and sport activity of their choice [2]. A better understanding of the needs, motivation, and social environment of athletes, including the active involvement of coaches and parents, are pivotal in driving inclusivity in sports settings [3,4]. While there is considerable understanding of the role of social agents for athletes without disabilities [5], such is relatively understudied in athletes with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of the social environment in inclusive sports participation—Identifying similarities and challenges in athletes with and without Intellectual Disabilities through coaches’ eyes: A qualitative inquiry

et al. 2023

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Despite the efforts of mainstreaming in sports, inclusive participation of people with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) in sports remains challenging. In sports settings, the social environment may influence the motivation of athletes and promote (or restrict) inclusive sports participation of athletes with ID. Thus, this study aims to explore the motivations of athletes and coaches and to investigate the role of the social environment in sports participation of athletes with and without ID. Coaches who coach athletes with ID (n = 11), athletes without ID (n = 13) and both groups (n = 2) were involved in semi-structured interviews. From the inductive thematic analysis three themes were identified for the sports motivations of athletes with ID (Sport-related Progression, Social Interaction, Positive Emotions), two for their coaches’ motivations (Help others, Personal and Professional Development) and four for coaching practices toward athletes with ID (Psychological and Life skills development, Building Meaningful Relationships, Behaviour adaptations and Participation-focused). Moreover, ‘Teammates and Opponents’ and ‘Family’ were classified as social agents that influence the sport participation of athletes with ID. Coaches of athletes without ID reported additional themes about their athletes’ motivations (Health-related Reasons), their coaching motivations (Career aspirations) and their coaching practices towards athletes without ID (Performance-focused). The motivations of athletes and the practices of coaches could promote sports participation of athletes with ID, but more work is needed to address athletes’ sports motivations and overcome the able-ist attitudes and the social oppression that may make their inclusion in sports more challenging. These sports participation barriers and facilitators could provide direction to stakeholders for developing inclusive sports pathways to people with ID.

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‘Everybody with Disability Should be Included’: A Qualitative Interview Study of Athletes’ Experiences of Disability Sports Participation Analysed with Ideas of Able-Mindedness

Cited by 13 publications

References 32 publications

Adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) and their perceptions of, and motivation for, physical activity and organised sports

Adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) and their perceptions of, and motivation for, physical activity and organised sports

Empowerment and social inclusion through Para sports: a qualitative study on women with physical impairments in Saudi Arabia

The role of the social environment in inclusive sports participation—Identifying similarities and challenges in athletes with and without Intellectual Disabilities through coaches’ eyes: A qualitative inquiry

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